How Meal Planning Saves You Time, Money & Stress

I started meal planning over five years ago when I was coupon queen. At the time my sole motivation to start planning my meals was saving money. I wanted to make better use of the food that I was buying at a fraction of the cost with my couponing strategies. I instinctively knew meal planning would cut down on the amount of food I threw away, and my family would eat out less.

However, I quickly realized that the benefits of meal planning went far beyond just saving money. I was saving time in the kitchen, which meant I was less stressed out at dinner time. These days, I’m lucky if I remember to load my digital coupons to my Kroger app! Meal planning, on the other hand, is one habit I’m sticking with because it never fails to save me time, money, and stress.

Meal Planning Benefit #1: Save Money

The average American family throws away up to $30 of every $100 they spend on food. It’s just like throwing dollar bills into the trash can every time we scrape off our plates or throw away leftovers! Planning your meals in advance allows you to manage your food resources wisely so there’s less waste and more money in your pockets.

Meal Planning Benefit #2: Save Time

Everyone has jam-packed schedules and cooking dinner can feel like another time consuming chore to check off your list. For many of us, it seems easier to just pick up carry out or order a pizza. However, with a small amount of time invested up front, you can ensure that you’ll have everything ready to go for a delicious, nutritious dinner in 30 minutes or less.

Meal Planning Benefit #3: Reduce Stress

Think about it: the last thing you want to do when you get home after a long day is stress out over what to make for dinner! Wouldn’t it be great to come home to the wonderful smell of dinner in the crock pot, ready to eat? This way, you can actually enjoy connecting with your family over a nice relaxing dinner. The only thing you’ll have to stress over is who’s going to the dishes!

Meal Planning Bonus: Healthier Eating

As a bonus, you’ll also eat healthier when you meal plan. Just by reducing your restaurant meals, you’ll slash your calorie intake by about 30%. You’re also more likely to stick to a healthy eating plan if your meals are prepped and ready to go.

New to Meal Planning? Check out my FREE Mindful Meal Planning course inside of Vigoroom! (Find it inside of the Money Wellness Room on the home page once you’ve registered.)

I menu plan and normally it’s pretty easy. This time, not so much. We have started doing the 21 day fix so our menu planning when at little south on me but at least I only got what I needed! Totally time saver.

I have always wanted to do the meal planning thing. I haven’t done it because my husband is not really on board. However, he may just have to get on board with it. There are so many benefits of meal planning.

I’m a huge advocate of meal planning. I’ve been doing it actively for almost a year and have noticed everyone of the benefits you mentioned – plus, I never get bored because I’m not just reaching for old standbys.